Chapter 3 North Carolina Species
The Avian Knowledge Network (AKN) provides a secure online system for managing bird monitoring data, including tools for collection, storage, access, and summarization. It is a key resource for sampling protocols like point counts, fixed transects, banding, and mist netting. The AKN Avian Abundance tool enables users to choose an area and species list to create a phenology graph, indicating the probable presence and abundance of species each month. This information helps identify the optimal seasons for detecting specific species. The NCWRC contributes bird survey and monitoring data to the AKN database. Motus is a global research network dedicated to studying the movement and behavior of birds, bats, and insects. Strategically placed Motus stations around the world can detect animals in flight within a 15 to 20-kilometer radius. These stations use tracking tags attached to animals, which are lightweight radio transmitters (approximately 0.15 grams) that emit unique digital signals. This allows each animal to be individually tracked. Currently, 23 Motus stations have been installed across the state by various conservation partners, including the USFWS, National Audubon Society, NC State Parks, and University of Georgia, as well as by the NCWRC. 3.3.8 Recommendations In general, protection and restoration of natural community composition and function and protection of surrounding natural areas under current conditions are the best ways to ensure suitable habitats are available for bird species. Measures that protect a large and diverse pool of populations are the best way to ensure that species are able to survive future stresses and adapt to changing climate conditions. Data need to be collected using standardized, accepted protocols that can be used by others and should be entered into the appropriate node of the Avian Knowledge Network.
Implement conservation measures and recommendations in state and federal protected species conservation plans.
• State protected species conservation plans are available online https://www.ncwildlife.gov/wildlife-habitat/species-conservation-plans.
• Federal protected species recovery plans are available online https://www.fws.gov/program/recovery/recovery-plans.
Implementation of recommendations for surveys, monitoring, and research should follow best practices and protocols established by recognized authorities (see Chapter 6 for a list of protocols). The following recommendations should be considered appropriate to implement for bird species.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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